DNR seeking candidates for its Conservation Officer Recruit School

A DNR officer, follows a candidate in the field. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking candidates for its next conservation officer recruit school which begins in July. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MICHIGAN DNR.

“The academy demands total effort and commitment,” said 1st Lt. Steve Burton, training section supervisor in the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “It challenges recruits academically and physically. But those who succeed are on the path to an exciting, fulfilling career as a Michigan conservation officer.”

DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan’s law enforcement community, as certified police officers with full authority to enforce all of Michigan’s laws.

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Officers also have specialized training in a variety of areas related to the protection of Michigan’s citizens and natural resources including extensive training in fish, game and trapping enforcement; recreational safety and enforcement, as well as firearms, precision and off-road driving, survival tactics and first aid.

The 23-week training academy is the first step to become a DNR conservation officer.

The application deadline is March 1. Candidates will attend Recruit School No. 9, which runs July 15 through Dec. 20 at the training academy in Dimondale, near Lansing.

As an equal opportunity employer, the DNR encourages diversity among its applicants. During the academy, recruits become state of Michigan employees and are paid biweekly.

After graduation, they become probationary conservation officers and spend several more months training throughout the state before being assigned to one of Michigan’s 83 counties, in which they will live. Due to the high quality and diverse nature of the training, the entire training process, which includes the academy, takes one year before candidates become full-fledged conservation officers.

“Not just anyone can wear our gray and green uniform,” Burton said. “Only the finest men and women should apply.”

The 2017 Recruit School recently concluded, and 22 men and women joined the DNR as probationary conservation officers after graduating last month.

In order to apply applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Be at least 21 years old before graduating from the academy.

• Become a resident of Michigan prior to completing the Probationary Training Program.

• Be allowed to lawfully possess a firearm in Michigan.

• Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.

• Possess a satisfactory driving record.

• Possess a clean criminal record absent of any felony convictions.

• Submit to a thorough background investigation measuring the applicant’s suitability for law enforcement work.